Method of and apparatus for the connection of cloth layers at their ends



A ril 30, 1968 M. VOLLENWEIDER ETAL 3,380,684

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE CONNECTION OF' CLOTH LAYERS AT THEIR ENDS Filed Sept. 8, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS,

/VAK VOZEA/WE/DEE f/ew//v [Gsm/No BY v W A'ITORNEYS pr 1968 M. VOLLENWEIDER ETAL 3,

METHOD OF AND AFFARATUS FOR THE CONNECTION OF CLOTH LAYERS AT THEIR ENDS Filed Sept. 8, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS, 4x VOLLEA/WE/E/Z f/ew//v a m/No ATTORNEYS Apr 1968 M VOLLENWEIDER ETAL. 3,

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE CONNECTION OF CLOTH LAYERS AT THEIR ENDS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. s, 1965 &M

ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,380,684 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE CONNECTION OF CLOTH LAYERS AT THEIR ENDS Max Vollenweiier and Erwin Remund, Horgen, Switzerland, assignors to Sam. Vollenweider AG., Horgen, Switzerland, a corporation of Switzerland Filed Sept. 8, 1965, Ser. No. 485,832 Claims priority, application Germany, Nov. 5, 1964, V 27,079 Claims. (Ci. 242-58.4)

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An improved method of and apparatus for the effective connection of first and second cloth layers or webs at their ends. The leading end portion of the second cloth layer to be connected to the first cloth layer is grasped and then moved at the same speed of travel as the first cloth layer. During movement of both cloth layers, a connection bond is applied therebetween to thus interconnect the leading end portion of the second cloth layer with the trailing end portion of the first cloth layer.

The present invention pertains to an improved method of, and apparatus for, the effective connection of cloth layers or webs at their ends, particularly lengths of fabric for the purpose of finishing the same.

Up to now the cloth or fabric webs produced at a weaving rnill and which possess a limited length of each piece, were combined into a larger unit or entity by sewing them together at their ends, for instance prior to treatment at a shearing or cropping machine. However, it has been found that the production Capacity of the shearing machine is already limited a number of times due to the sewing operation since the tendency exists to operate such machines always with larger cloth travel speeds. Sewing of the ends requires at least a local arresting of the goods which should be compensated or balanced by the utilzation of so-called cloth supply troughs. However, such compensaton is no longer possible even when using these supply troughs when working with higher cloth speeds and with the usual lengths of cloth pieces. Nowadays, it is generally known that with a sewing time ot' about 1.5 minutes (per seam) the length of the pieces must amount to about 300 meters in order to make full use of a cropping machine with a maximum speed of the cloth of about 100 meters per minute. Since, however, the length of the pieces which are most often used nowadays amounts to about 100 meters and the sewing and standstil times per seam cannot be considerably reduced, it is not possible to take advantage of the maximum cloth velocity of modern shearing or cropping machines or otherwise. In most instances, it is necessary to be satisfied with cloth speeds of about 50 meters per minute. A further disadvantage of this mode of operation resides in the fact that difliculties arise with rcspect to the orderly delivery of the cloth web or layer and also there is a tendency of folds to form as well as there are occurring tension fluctuations in the cloth web or layer. Similar problems exist at the actual finishing machine which requires a continuous through passage of the cloth layer or web.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus which effectively overcomes the atorementioned disadvantages.

A further important object of this invention pertains to an improved method and apparatus for connecting the ends of cloth layers in a highly efcent and speedy manner.

Still another considerable object of this invention is directed to an improved Construction of apparatus for the &389584 Paterted Apr. 30, 1968 connection of cloth layers or webs at their end regions and which is relatively simple and highly reliable in operation, economical to manufacture, easy to service, and extremely quick in performance.

In order to implement these and still further objects, the a'pparatus designed according to the invention for the purpose of connecting a second cloth layer with a first cloth layer during through passage of the same, provides a movable holder for the incoming or leading end of the second cloth layer, the path of movement of which is adjacent a guide means for the first cloth layer, and means are provided for moving the second cloth layer in synchronism with the first cloth layer prior to its connection with the first cloth layer.

Generally speaking, the inventive method for interconnecting at least two cloth layers at their ends contemplates moving the second cloth layer at the same speed of travel as a first cloth layer to which it is to be connected, and applying a connection bond during movement of both cloth layers therebetween to thus connect the leading end 'portion of the second cloth layer with the trailing end portion of the first cloth layer.

Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 schematically illustrates a vertical sectional view through a preferred embodiment of inventive apparatus:

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIGURE l; and

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary end view of the portion of the apparatus depicted in FIGURE 2.

Describing now the drawings, it will be understood that reference character 2 designates a Shaft which is supported at both ends in a non-illustrate-d support. Shaft 2 carries two confronting plates or shields 4 between the points of support. The plates 4 which are of approximately triangular configuration and rigidly connected with the shaft 2, in turn form three supports 6 for cloth beams 8 rotatably supported at their ends, these supports 6 enabling easy replacement and exchange of the cloth beams 8. These cloth beams 8 Carry wound-up cloth packages or fabric layers 10', 10", 10'". In the illustrated position of the plates 4 the cloth beam 8 at the lower right of FIGURE 1 and carrying the cloth layer 10' disposed in its unwnding position, has this cloth layer 10' unravelled therefrom and passes through the path of light rays 12 of a standard photocell 14, The cloth layer 10' moves out of the path of light rays 12 over a tension or draw roller 16, a dancer roller 18, a further tension or draw roller 20, and then is delivered to a suitable cloth processing or finishing machine (not shown). Such machine which works with continuous throughput, for instance can be a cloth raisin-g or teaseling machine or a cloth cropping or shearing machine.

A contact or pressure roller 22 is rotatably mountcd at a frame 26 pivotable at location 24 in the region of the tension roller 16. This pivotable frame 26 can be moved towards or away from the tension roller 16 by any suitable non-illustrated means, in order to press the pressure roller 22 against the tension roller 16 or to raise such away from it. The tension or draw rollers 16 and 20 and the frame 26 of the pressure roller 22 are mounted at a machine frame or standard 28, specifically between two support plates 30 and 32 thereof. Additionally, the machine frame 28 is constructed so as to form a nonillustrated guide for the dancer roller 18. Two gears 34 possessing the same number of teeth are located between both support plates 30 and 32 (FIGURE 3). These gears 34 are supported upon coaXial journal pins 36 r-gdly fastened to the support plates 30 and 32. Both of the &380,684

gears 34 support the stub shafts or members 38 of a support or holder 4@ extending parallel, yet eccentric, with respect to the axis of rotaton of the gears 34. Holder 46 includes a downwardly extending projection or rib 41 carrying a pad dla provided with a set of cloth-engaging needles 192 or equivalent structure. The holder 46 also carries a group of holding clamps 42 connected to a pivot journal or pin 44 extending parallel to the holder iii (PIGURE 3). Both ends of the pivot pin 44 carry actuating arms 46 in order to pivot the holding clamps 42 out of the position depicted in full lines in FIGURE 2 and marked by reference character I in which the fiexed needle-shaped ends 42a bear against the pad dla of the holder 4%, into the so-called release or free position, designated by reference character III, where these fiexed ends ia are spaced from holder 40.

One of both stub shafts 33 carries a sprocket wheel 43 at its end disposed externally of the neighboring gear 34. This sprocket wheel 48 is connected with a further sprocket wheel 52 through the agency of a chain 50. Sprocket wheel 52 is rigidly Secured to the journal pin 36 and has the same number of teeth as the sprocket wheel 43. During rotation of the gears 34 which are in meshing en gagement with a respective gear 56 mounted upon a common shaft 54, the holder 40 performs its rotary motion, however, it is important to understand that this holder 4% retains its spatial orientation during this rotary motion in that the sprocket wheel 48 rides on the stationary sprocket wheel 52 via the chain 59.

As best seen by referring to FIGURE 2, drive of the gears 34 occurs by means of an infinitely variable drive 58 which rotates the tension roller 16 via a chain drive 60. The tension roller 16, in turn, is in operable driving connection with a transmission shaft 64 through the agency of a chain drive 62. A further chain drive 66 extends from the transmisson shaft 64 to the driven side of a conventional electromagnetic disk clutch 68, the power take-oti side of which is in meshing engagement via a gear 70 with one of the gears 34. A further chain drive 72 leads from the tension roller 16 to two oppositely wrapped sprocket wheels '74 and 76 which are connected with the driven side of standard electromagnetic disk clutches 78 and 86. The power take-off side of these disk clutches 78 and 8 are operably connected for rotation with the gears 82 and 84 which likewise engage with the gear 34. Due to the opposite training or wrapping of both sprocket wheels '74 and 76 by the chain 72 the gears 82 and 84 rotate in opposte directions, specifically such that with engaged clutch 89 the gear 84 rotates in counterclockwise direction (FIGURE 2) and with engaged clutch 32 this gear 34 rotates in clockwse direction. The gear 70 also drives the gear 34 in counterclockwise direction, however, due to the transmission via the transmission unit 64 it is driven with considerably larger rotational speed. V

A substantially trough-shaped container or rcceiver 86 is arranged between the stationary journal pins 36 and contains a suitable liquid adhesive. It will further be seen that a cover member 90 is articulated to pins 88 of the container 86. Cover member 90 possesses adhesive-applying teeth 92 at its inside face 93, which, in the closed position of this cover member 90 of FIGURE 2, imnerse in the adhesive bath 87 stored in the container 86. The two actuating arms 94 are articulated, at 95, to the cover member 90 which, in the closed position of this cover member, are normally held in vertical position, specific-any by means of a tension spring 96 secured to cover member 9@ and which pul] these actuating arms 94 against a non-illustrated impact or stop member. At the inside of both gears 34 there are arranged two pins or pegs 98 which are eccentric to the axis of rotation of the gears 34, however, coaXial with respect to one another, the actuating arms 94 extending into their path of travel. When the -gears 34 rotate in clockwise direction and the pins 98 bear against the actuating arms 94 then the cover member is rocked into its open position. On the other hand, it the gears 34 move in counterclockwise direction then the actuating arms 94 are titlted against the action of the tension spring 96 while the cover member 90 rcmains closed. in so doing, the pins 98 can glide over the actuating arms 94, Whereby the latter upon release from engagement with the pins 98 are pivoted back by the tension spring into vertical position.

As clearly seen by inspecting FIGURE 2, the pins 98 are also located in the zone of the actuating arms 46. These actuatin arms 46 of the holding clamps 42 together with the holder 40 perform a rotary or pivotable movement relative to the gears 34 when the latter are driven. The arrangement of the actuating arms 46 with respect to the pins 98 is chosen such that actuation of these arms and, thus, pivoting of the holding clamps 42 into release position against the action of a tension spring lili) occurs at such time as the holder 40 is located opposite the tension roller 16, i.e., at position III of FIG- URE 2. After a certain rotation of the gears 34 in counterclockwise direction the actuating arms 46 are again released from the pins 98, specically because of the aforementioned relative movement of the holder 40, so that the tension spring again moves the holding clamps 42 into their clamping position. In this clamping position the tips 4211 of the holding clamps 42 again bear against the holder eti and the needle group 102 provided at such, whereby the needles of such group are fiexed to the right. Movcment of the clamps 42 into the release position by means of the actuating arms 46 can, of course, also be manually performed.

The manner of operation of the previously described apparatus is as follows:

During operation of a textile machine arranged after the inventive apparatus, tor instance a shearing or cropping machine, the tension roller 16 driven via the infinitcly variable drive 58 is also in rotational motion with a speed of rotation corresponding to a certain delivery speed required by the shearing machine. This speed of rotation can be regulated by means of this drive 58. As a result, the cloth layer 19' (FIGURE 1) is pulledoff the corresponding cloth beam 8 and delivered via the roliers 18 and 20 to such shearing machine. During such time as this cloth withdrawal operation takes place the operator of the machine can seize the starting portion or leading end of the cloth package or layer 10" and in the preparatory position I of the holder 40 depicted in full lines in FIGURE 2, fasten such between the needle group 102 and the holding clamps 42. The clutch 78 is now engaged for example by actuating a non-illustrated push button switch of the partially illustrated electrical control C (FIGURE 3) so that the gears 34 driven by the continuously revolving chain drive 72 turn to an extent such that the holder 40 has assumed the full line position of FIGURE l. During such movement the actuating pegs or pins 98 which lead or precede the holder 40 abut against the actuating arms 94 of the cover mem` ber 90. Due to the thus resulting opening movement of the cover member 90 its adhesive applying means i.e. teeth 92 are pivoted into a position (FIGURE 3) in which the beginning of the cloth or goods 10" arriving with the holder 40 come into contact with such teeth, so that the adhesive sticking to them is applied to the starting region or end of this cloth. The adhesive which frees itself:` froni the teeth 92 during this opening movement of the cover member 90 trickles back into the container 36. The gears 34 are stopped at the full line position II of FIGURE 1 of the holder, specfically on one hand because the clutch 78 is then without current and, on the other hand, a clutch or coupling 104 of which one portion is rigidly connected with the support plate 32 is actuated and, thus, the shaft 7.06 connected with the other portion is blocked, which shaft 106 is connected for rotation via two gears 108 with the gears 34. Actua ton of both clutches or couplings 78 and 104 can, for instance, take place by a known switch of the control means C and generally designated by reference character 110 and which are controlled by cam disk means 112. The cam disk means 112 are mounted upon a constriction of the stationary journal pin 36 and are driven by a chain drive 114, the movement of which is tapped-otf the shaft 54. Since the shaft 54 is connected for rotation with the gears 34, the position of the cam disk means 112 at any moment corresponds to that of the gears 34.

Upon reaching the position II of the holder 40- shown in full lines in FIGURE 1 there is completed the preparatory operation for the connection of the start of the cloth layer with the end of the cloth 10'. Now, if there is reached the end of the cloth layer 10' in that such moves off the cloth beam 8 then, shortly thereafter, the path for the beam of light rays 12 of the photoelectric cell 14 is unobstructed by this cloth layer 10'. The electric control C then receives a signal by virtue of which the clutch 68 is engaged. As a result, the gears 34 are placed into counterclockwise rotation and accelerated to a speed which imparts to the holder 40 a peripheral speed corresponding to that of the tension roller 16. The holder 40 during its revolving motion entrains the clamped leading edge or start of the cloth layer 10" and directs such towards the tension roller 16. Drectly prior to the holder 40 reaching the tension roller 16 the pins 98 rock the holding clamps 42 in order to release the start of the cloth layer 10" and the latter is pressed against the tension roller 16 and the cloth layer 10' moving away from such by means of the needle group 102 of the holder 40. The adhesive applied to the 1ead ing edge of the cloth layer 10" provides the connection between the trailing end of the cloth layer 10' and the leading end of the cloth layer 10". This leading end or beginning of the cloth layer 10" is thus released by the trailing end of the cloth layer 10' from the needle group 102 of the holder 40 and is entrained between the tension roller 16 and the contact or pressure roller 22 rocked against the former. The contact or pressure roller 22 compactly presses together both of the cloth layers 10', 10" at their point of connection in order to impart to such connection location a greater strength. Contact or pressing-on of the pressure roller 22 by means of the pivotable frame 26 takes place at the proper time, controlled in accordance with the throughpassage of the connection location, and appropriately triggered by the electric control. After the passage of a suflicient length of the cloth layer 10" in order to accelerate the associated cloth beam 8 to a delivery speed corresponding to the rotational speed of the tension roller 16, the pressure or contact roller 22 can then again be removed from the tension roller 16. The pressing-on operation of this pressure or contact roller 22 can, for nstance, be triggered by a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure cylinder.

After delivering the beginning of the cloth layer 10" to the tension roller 16 the holder 40 travels with unchanged speed to approxinately the phantom line position III of FIGURE 2 (somewhat above the contact or pressure roller 22). In t-his position the clutch 68 is disengaged and the clutch 80 engaged, so that the gears 34 travel further in counterc-lockwise direction yet with reduced Velocity, whereby due to the relative movement of the holder 40 the actuating arms 46 are released by the pins 98, so that the clamps 42 return back into the clamping position under the action of the spring 100. During further revolving of the -gears 34 the pins 98 impact against the actuating arms 94 of the open cover member 90. The latter is thus rocked about its shafts 88 into the closed position, wherea-fter there takes place a pivoting of the actuating arms 94 against the action of the spring 96 until the pegs or pins 98 are freed from these arms. Actuating arms 94 thereafter return back into their vertical position.

When the holder 40 has reached the full line position of FIGURE 2, i.e. the preparatory position I, the clutch is disengaged whereas there is engaged the clutch 104 for instantaneous braking of the gears 34. It should be selfevident that the clutch 104 must again be disengaged prior to each movement of the gears 34.

During such time as the beginning of the cloth layer or web 10" still travels between the tension roller 16 and the Contacting pressure roller 22, it is possible to rock the receiving device `for the cloth beams 8 formed by the support plates 4 about the shaft member 2 in such a manner that the cloth beam 8 which carries the cloth layer 10" arrives in that position previously occupied by the cloth beam from which there was formerly withdrawn t-he cloth layer 10'. The now depleted cloth beam 8 for the cloth layer 10' can then be removed from the plates 4 and deposited upon a frame 116. The cloth beam carrying the cloth layer 10'" has therefore now arrived at the preparatory position at which there was previously located the cloth layer 10". It is to be mentioned that this preparatory position has the shortest distance to the tension roller 16, so that the length of cloth lying therebetween during acceleration of the corresponding cloth beam to the speed of the tension roller 16 results in the smallest elongation. In so doing, the spring action of this elongated or stretched length is small, so that an excessive accele-raton of the cloth beam due to unloading of the stretched cloth layer can be prevented. Thus, there is not required any braking of the corresponding cloth beam in order to prevent an excessive delivery of cloth lengths.

After -depositing the empty cloth beam upon the frame 116 it is, of course, possible to introduce a full cloth beam 8 into the corresponding support of the plates 4. Likewise, during running out of the cloth layer 10" the beginning of the cloth layer 10"' is Secured to the holder 40 located in the preparatory position I. Thereafte-r, the holder 40 is brought into the preparatory position II shown in phantom lines in FIGURE 2 above the adhesive container 86 due to turning of the gears 34, and, thus, in this position the beginning of this cloth layer is again covered with adhesive.

The electric circuit is designed such that the -signal of the photoelectric cell 14 for engaging the clutch or coupling 68 can only then be transmitted when the holder 40 is located in the previously mentioned preparatory position which indicates that the new cloth layer starting portion is prepared for connection. This, for instance, can be achieved by means of a conventional terminal switch which, in the corresponding position of the holder 40, is closed and thus closes the transmission current circuit for the signal of the photoelectric cell 14. If this current circuit is not closed, then, on the other hand, the signal of a cloth beam monitor 118 becomes efiective which then shuts down the drive of the described apparatus as well as also the subsequently arranged shearin-g machine. This cloth beam monitor 118 is regulated such that the shutdown operation takes place as long as there is still a small length of cloth wound onto the cloth beam 8. In this manner there is ensured that the remaining cloth length is sufcient for producing the connection after undertaking preparation of the leading end of the new cloth layer. In so doing, placing into operation of the apparatus in order to move the holder 40 out of the preparatory position into the ready position can be achieved by means of a shunt or by-pass switch.

Although in the exemplary embodiment connection of both ends of the cloth layers is described as performed by way of an adhesive, it is of course also possible to use other connecting means or expedients. It is basically possible to also provide a connection by means of mechanical connecting elements in the form of clamps, needles or rivets, since both portions which are to be connected have the same speed at least during a short period of time and approximately the same paths. In the described case, there is used, by way of example, a therrnoplastic adhesive which is maintained in fiuent or liquid state in its container 86 by exposing such to the action of an appropriate heat source (not shown). It would also be possible to use dual or multiple Component adhesives applied in suitable manner. Equally possible, is the application of adhesive or otherwise to the end of the departing cloth layer.

The described apparatus is naturally designed in such a manner that in order to produce the connection between both cloth layers there occurs an overlapping of the ends. In order to provide sufficient time for the apparatus to accelerate the new cloth layer and to bring it to the connection location at the tension roller 16 it is possible to displace the triggering time-point by pivoting the displace ably mounted photoelectric cell 14 about an aXis of rotation disposed near the shaft 2. Quite obviously, the interval between the point of time of the triggering operation and the time that the connection takes place at the tension roller 16 becomes that much larger the further downwards the photoelectric cell 14 is pivoted. As visible from the drawing, the shaft 2 acts as reflector for a bundle of light rays 12 transmitted coaXially with regard to the photoelectric cell 14, whereby the light source with the photoelectric cell 14 forms a unit. The reflection of the shaft 2 is thus the same in all positions of the photoelectric cell 14.

While there is shown and described a present preferred embodiment of the invention it is to -be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practised within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Method for interconnecting at least two cloth layers at their confronting ends comprising the steps of: grasping the leading edge of the leading end portion of the second cloth layer to be connected to the first cloth layer, moving the grasped second cloth layer at the same speed of travel as a first cloth layer to which it is to -be connected, and during movement of both cloth layers applying a connection bond therebetween to thus interconnect the leading end portion of the second cloth layer with the trailing end portion of the first cloth layer.

2. Method for interconnecting a second cloth layer with a first cloth layer comprising the steps of: grasping the leading edge of the leading end portion of the second cloth layer to be connected to the first cloth layer during travel of the first cloth layer, moving the grasped leading end portion of the second cloth layer into a position Where there can be applied a connecting agent thereto, applying a connecting agent to the leading end portion of the second cloth layer, monitoring the movement of the first cloth layer and upon approaching depletion of D the supply of the first cloth layer displacing the leading end portion of the second cloth layer so as to possess a speed of travel substantially corresponding to the speed of travel of the first cloth layer, thereafter interconnecting the leading end portion of the second cloth layer With the trailing end portion of the first cloth layer during such time as both aforesaid portions of said cloth layers are in transit by means of said connecting agent.

3. Method for interconnecting a second cloth layer with a first cloth layer as defined in claim 2 wherein said connecting agent is an adhesive substance.

4. Method for interconnectng a second cloth layer With a first cloth layer comprising the steps of: grasping the leading edge of the leading end portion of the second cloth layer to be connected to the first cloth layer during such time as the first cloth layer is in transit, applying a connecting agent to the leading end portion of the second cloth layer, monitoring the movement of the first cloth layer and upon approaching depletion of the supply of the first cloth layer accelerating the leading end portion of the second cloth layer to possess a speed of movement substantially corresponding to the speed of movement of the first cloth layer, thereafter interconnecting the leading end portion of the second cloth layer With the trailing end portion of the first cloth layer during such time as both cloth layers are in transit by means of said connecting agent.

5. Apparatus for interconnecting the confronting ends of at least two cloth layers comprising means providing a supply of a first cloth layer, at least one tension roller for withdrawing said first cloth layer otf its supply along a given path of movement, holder means for entraining the leading edge of the leading end portion of a supply of a second cloth layer to be connected with the trailing end portion of said first cloth layer, means for supporting said holder means for movement in the region of the path of travel of said first cloth layer, and means for moving at least the leading end portion of said second cloth layer in synchronism With the trailing end portion of said first cloth layer prior to interconnection of both aforesaid end portions with one another.

6. Apparatus for interconnecting the confronting ends of at least two cloth layers as defined in claim 5, further including drive means for driving said tension roller, said means for moving the leading end portion of said second cloth layer in synchronism with the trailing end portion of said first cloth layer comprises a drive arrangement for driving said holder means which is capable of being coupled with said drive means for said tension roller, and means for coupling said drive arrangement with said drive means.

7. Apparatus for interconnecting the confronting ends of at least two cloth layers comprisng means providing a supply of a first cloth layer, at least one tension roller for withdrawing said first cloth layer off its supply along a given path of movement, holder means for entraining the leading end portion of a supply of a second cloth layer to he connected with the trailing end portion of said first cloth layer, means for supporting said holder means for movement in the region of the path of travel of said first cloth layer, and means for moving at least the leading end portion of said second cloth layer in synchronism with the trailing end portion of said first cloth layer pror to interconnection of both aforesaid end portions with one another; said apparatus further including drive means for driving said tension roller, said means for moving the leading end portion of said second cloth layer in synchro nism with the trailing end portion of said first cloth layer comprising a drive arrangement for driving said holder means which is capable of being coupled with said drive means for said tension roller, and means for coupling said drive arrangement with said drive means; and wherein said supporting means for said holder means is constructed to displace said holder means along a substantially circular path, said tension roller providing a guide for moving said first cloth layer along said given path of travel.

8. Apparatus for interconnecting the confronting ends of at least two cloth layers as defined in claim 6 further including applicator means for a connecting agent disposed in the region of movement of said holder means, and actuating means for said applicator means mounted for movement together with said holder means in order to bring said applicator means into operable cooperating relationship with respect to said holder means.

9. Apparatus for interconnecting the confronting ends of at least two cloth layers as defined in claim 8 wherein said connecting agent for said applicator means is an adhesive material.

10. Apparatus for interconnecting the confronting ends of at least two cloth layers comprsing means providing a supply of a first cloth layer, at least one tension roller for withdrawing said first cloth layer off its supply along a given path of movement, holder means for entraining the leading end portion of a supply of a second cloth layer to -be connected with the trailing end portion of said first cloth layer, means for supporting said holder means for movement in the region of the path of travel of said first cloth layer, and means for moving at least the leading end portion of said second cloth layer in synchronism with the trailing end portion of said first cloth layer prior to interconnection of both aforesaid end portions with one another; and wherein said supporting means for said holder means is constructed to displace said holder means along a substantially circular path, rotatable shaft means for mountng said holder means to said support means for rotation about an aXis moving along said substantially circular path, and drive mechanism for rotating said holder means about said axis of rotation as a function of the movement of said holder means along said substantially circular path.

11. Apparatus for interconnecting the confronting ends of at least two cloth layers as defined in claim wherein said supporting means comprses a pair of coaxially mounted gears operably interconnected for rotation and between which there is eccentrically mounted said holder means, said drive mechanism for 'otating said holder means about said axs of rotation incorporating a chain drive operably interconnecting said holder means with at least one of said gears.

12. Apparatus for interconnecting the confronting ends of at least two cloth layers as defined in claim 11 further including applicator means for an adhesive material disposed in the region of movement of said holder means, said holder means including displaceable mechanism for releasably holding said leading end portion of said second cloth layer at said holder means, actuating means rigidly connected with said gears for actuating both said displaceable mechanism of said holder means and said applicator means for said adhesive material.

13. Apparatus for interconnecting the confronting ends of at least two cloth layers as defined in claim 12 wherein said adhesive applicator means includes a conta'ner for a supply of adhesive material and teeth means immersible in said supply of adhesive material and movable out of said supply of adhesive material into a position for application onto said leading end portion of said second cloth layer.

14. Apparatus for interconnecting the confronting ends of at least two cloth layers as defined in claim 12 wherein said holder means includes a group of needles for engaging said leading end portion of said second cloth layer, said displaceable mechanism comprisng holding clamps cooperating with said group of needles for urging said leading end portion of said second cloth layer against said group of needles.

15. Apparatus for interconnecting the confronting ends of at least two cloth layers comprising means providing a supply of a first cloth layer, means for withdrawing said first cloth layer off its supply along a given path of movement, holder means for entraining the leading end portion of a supply of a second cloth layer to be connected with the traling end portion of said first cloth layer, means for supporting said holder means for movement in the region of the path of travel of said first cloth layer, means rotatably mounting said holder means to said supporting means for rotation about a given axis which is eccentric with respect to the geometric center of said supporting means, and means for moving at least the leading end portion of said second cloth layer at substantially the same speed of travel as the traling end portion of said first cloth layer prior to interconnection of both aforesaid end portions with one another.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,772,055 11/1956 Klingelfuss 242-58.4 3,279,7l7 10/1966 Schubert 242-58.4

LEONARD D. CHRISTIAN, Pr'mary Examner. 

